A portable multiplex vertical flow immunoassay platform for Tier 1 biothreat detection in biofluids and environmental matrices

Rapid, field-deployable diagnostics are critical for detecting high-priority biothreats, yet most platforms lack sensitivity, multiplexing, or usability in resource-limited settings. We present VeriFAST, a compact vertical flow immunoassay (VFI) system integrating automated fluid handling, a nitrocellulose-based multiplex membrane, and smartphone-enabled image processing for real-time analysis. Using a gold nanoparticle sandwich format, VeriFAST simultaneously detects four Tier 1 bacterial antigens LcrV and F1 (Yersinia pestis), FtLPS (Francisella tularensis), CPS (Burkholderia pseudomallei). The system achieved limits of detection of 0.05 ng/mL for F1, 0.0125 ng/mL for CPS and 0.625 ng/mL for LcrV in serum, urine, and soil extracts, with total assay time under 30 min. Reagent stability testing showed that buffers and detection antibodies retained full function for 12 months under ambient or refrigerated storage, whereas capture antibodies began to show signal drift after 3 months at room temperature, even with desiccant protection. Matrix-specific optimization further enabled high reproducibility and low background across complex samples. By combining multiplexing, automated processing, and mobile analytics in a portable format, VeriFAST addresses critical gaps in field diagnostics and offers a scalable solution for biothreat detection in public health, military, and environmental response.